Defects in the Present System of Examinations

Examinations, like a surgeons knife, are necessary evil. Nobody can do

without the examination. In fact, life itself is a continuous examination. We
are taking tests at all stages of our life. The present system of
examination in our educational set up was devised by the British. They
wanted to produce clerks who would help them in their day to day
administration. Things have changed completely with the advent of
freedom. The aims of education have changed. The system of
examination also, therefore, must change.
The prevailing system of examination is everywhere an object of criticism.
It suffers from a large number of drawbacks and requires complete
overhauling. It has failed to deliver the goods.
The System of examinations is not the real test of the students ability. It
does not ensure accurate results in judging the real worth of an examinee.
It is rather a game of chance. The mood and whims of examiners count
more than any rules or regulations. The standard of marking varies from
examiners to examiner and even with the same examiner at different
times. Again, the ability and worth of a student cannot be judged through a
three-hour test.
Examinations have become a terror for the examinees. Every student feels
nervous as the examination draws near. He steps into the examination hall
with sinking heart and trembling feet. Sometimes he forgets eve his best
prepared lesson. He fails to recall the facts to answer his questions.
This system of examination is full of uncertainly. It is most unnatural and
unscientific. Sometimes a dull student may get through the examination
with flying colour and a brilliant student may cut a sorry figure. Many great
men of the world failed to make a mark in the examinations.

This system encourages cramming. It is a test of memory only. Our

colleges have become laboratories of cram work. Only the crammed facts
are tested in the examination. The aim of education is not simply to stuff
the brain with bookish knowledge but to improve the character and
personality of the student. The present system does not make him fit for
taking up the practical duties of life.
Examinations pout a heavy strain on students physical and mental health.
The fear of examination sucks their blood day and night. The examinees
burn mid-night oil to get good marks. This overwork tells upon their health.
They are reduced to mere shadows and skeletons. They grow unfit for the
hard struggle of life.
This system discourages general knowledge. It limits a students range of
study. He studies only that part of his syllabus which is important from the
examination point of view. He knows nothing about the world around him.
The real aim of education is thus defeated.
Thus the present system of education suffers from glaring defects and it
requires speedy reforms. The educationists in the country are already
trying to incorporate certain reforms in this system. In fact, the system has
already been changed in some of the universities in India. Other
universities are thinking of introducing the new reforms. The old system of
marking is being replaced by a grading system. This makes the marking of
the answer-books more objective. Question papers are being so framed
that they cover the entire syllabus and discourage guess work and
cramming. Sessional work is assessed regularly and the marks obtained
during the various terms during the year are counted towards the making
up of the final grade. The concept of Open book examination is also being
accepted and put into practice in some of the universities in the country.
All these reforms are expected to make the examinations more reliable,
objective and valid.